3 Month Old Baby Sleep and Feeding Schedule

Scheduling a 3-month-old baby’s sleep and feeding schedule can make life easier and more comfortable for both the mother and the baby. Striking a balance in your baby’s routine is very important. A baby will soon learn his natural rhythm when you put him on a schedule. For instance, establishing a consistent 3-month-old feeding schedule ensures that your baby gets the necessary nutrients at the right intervals, promoting healthy growth and development. Additionally, a well-planned sleep schedule for a 3-month-old helps in regulating sleep patterns, leading to better rest for both the baby and the parents. Read this article to get some guidance on managing sleep and feeding schedules for your three-month-old bundle of joy.

3-Month-Old Baby Sleep Schedule

Your baby’s sleep has now started to regulate itself. Most babies sleep a total of 15 hours a day, including nighttime sleep and naps. They will stay awake for more time during the day. You’ll also be able to get some sleep and feel more rested the next day. Be warned of sleep regressions, though! It has been observed that babies who’ve slept through the night for weeks may suddenly start to wake up! This is a temporary phase and happens because your child is now going through a growth spurt, learning new skills and is more socially aware.

This is also a good opportunity for sleep training. Try to ensure your baby sleeps longer at a stretch and has a regular sleep-wake-feed pattern. But don’t impose a rigid sleep schedule. Instead, observe his reactions to sleep training, and if he doesn’t seem prepared, slow down and try again after some days.

3-Month-Old Baby Feeding Schedule

Just like sleeping, your baby’s feeding will start getting regularised now. He will take longer between feedings as his stomach capacity is higher and may start to drop night feedings. Remember that he is still too young for solid food. Keep him on breastmilk or formula milk only till he reaches the age of six months.

Some parents might be confused when adjusting to their babies’ changing sleep and feeding schedules despite having the knowledge. If you are one of them, creating a proper schedule and sticking to it will provide some respite. Continue reading for some things you must bear in mind when you are scheduling your baby’s sleep and feed.

Things to Keep in Mind When Scheduling Your Baby’s Feeding and Sleep

When creating a schedule for your baby, keep this in mind:

• Feeding requirements – Around 6 to 7 ounces of breast milk or formula milk per feeding, to a maximum of 32 ounces, i.e. 6 feeds in 24 hours.
• Sleeping requirements – About 15 hours of sleep during a 24 hour period including nighttime sleep and naps. Babies tend to take naps three times (morning, afternoon and evening) in a day.
• Physical development – Your baby will need time for playing and interacting, developing his muscles and working on new skills. You will have to schedule activities like reading, massage, stroller walk, etc.

Here’s a sample that can help you prepare your schedule.

Sample 3-Month-Old Baby Sleep and Feeding Schedule

A well-structured routine helps ensure your baby gets the right amount of sleep and nutrition necessary for their growth and development. Below is a sample three-month-old sleeping and feeding schedule to guide you in creating a balanced routine for your little one.

1. 3-Month-Old Breastfeeding Schedule

This is a sample for babies who are breastfed exclusively.

• 7:00 — Wake
• 8:00 — Feed
• 8:30 — Nap
• 9:00 — Wake and Feed
• 11:00 — Feed and Nap
• 1:00 — Wake and Feed
• 2:00 — Nap
• 2:30 — Wake and Feed
• 4:30 — Feed and Nap
• 6:30 — Feed
• 7:00 — Catnap
• 9:00 — Feed and Bedtime
• 10:30 — Fill-Up Feed (This should always take place at your bedtime, so you get a longer stretch of sleep)
• + 1-3 night feedings

2. Formula Feeding Schedule of 3 Month Old

This is a sample for the babies who are not breastfed exclusively. It can be followed for babies completely on formula feed, or for those who have some breastfeeds and some formula feeds.

• 7:00 — Wake and breastfeed
• 8:30 — Nap
• 10:00 — Wake and feed from breast or bottle
• 11:30 — Nap
• 1:00 — Wake and feed from breast or bottle
• 2:30 — Nap
• 3:30 — Wake
• 4:00 — Feed from breast or bottle
• 4:30 — Catnap
• 5:00 — Wake
• 6:00 — Feed from breast or bottle
• 6:30 — Nap
• 9:00 — Feed and bedtime
• 11:00 — Fill-Up feed
• + 1 or possibly 2-night feedings

FAQs

1. How can I encourage my 3-month-old to sleep longer stretches at night?

To encourage longer stretches of sleep at night, establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes calming activities such as a warm bath, gentle massage, or reading a bedtime story. Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Try to establish a regular bedtime and wake-up time to help regulate your baby’s internal clock. Avoid overstimulation before bedtime and encourage soothing activities that help your baby wind down.

2. Should I wake my baby to feed if they sleep longer than usual during the day?

If your baby is sleeping longer than usual during the day but is gaining weight well and your pediatrician is satisfied with their growth, it’s generally okay to let them sleep. Babies at this age often start consolidating their sleep at night and may have longer naps during the day. 

3. What signs indicate that my baby may need adjustments to their feeding schedule?

Signs that may indicate your baby needs adjustments to their feeding schedule include frequent fussiness or hunger cues shortly after feeding, poor weight gain, or difficulty settling down for naps. Your baby’s appetite and feeding needs can change as they grow, so it’s important to observe their cues and adjust feeding times or amounts accordingly. Consult your pediatrician if you’re unsure about your baby’s feeding schedule or if you notice any concerning signs.

While this sample schedule will definitely get you started, remember that problems will arise. Sometimes, the amount of time between naps is not long enough, or your baby is still hungry after feeding. But with time, you will be able to streamline this schedule and make things easier for both your baby and yourself!

References/Resources:

1. Suitable Sleeping Sites: Safe at Night & Naptime; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Suitable-Sleeping-Sites.aspx

2. Tham. E, Schneider. N, Broekman. B; Infant sleep and its relation with cognition and growth: a narrative review (Nature and Science of Sleep); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5440010/; May 2017

3. Getting Your Baby to Sleep; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Getting-Your-Baby-to-Sleep.aspx

4. Developmental Milestones: 3 Months; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Developmental-Milestones-3-Months.aspx

5. How Can I Tell When My Baby Is Tired?; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-can-i-tell-when-my-baby-is-tired

6. Healthy Sleep Habits for Babies and Toddlers; Nationwide Children’s Hospital; https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/healthy-sleep-habits-for-infants-and-toddlers

7. What You Need to Know About Sleep for Your Child; American Family Physician; https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0200/p168-s1.html

Also Read:

3 Month Old Teething
3 Months Old Baby Milestones
How to Take Care of 3 Months Old Baby?
Your 3 Months Old Baby Growth and Development
Learning and Development Activities for 3 Month Old Baby

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